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Items from The Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa.,

Wednesday, September 16, 1863

Another Invasion.

We have our fears of another invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania, notwithstanding the reports that different corps and divisions of Lee's Army are being sent South to reinforce Beauregard at Charleston, and Bragg and Johnson in front of Rosecrans and Burnside. The rebel army now moves in the centre of a circle, while the Union army moves around the outside, consequently the former can throw troops from one point to another much more rapidly than the latter, and although corps and divisions may have been sent South from Lee's army, they could easily be recalled in time to make a raid North just previous to the election in this State; and if another invasion is attempted, it will be at that time.

Knowing the result of two attempts to invade the North, it would, without due consideration, appear like consummate folly, and a courting of destruction, for the Rebel leaders to undertake a third trip of the kind. Whether the third invasion ever be even attempted, it is now strongly talked of and urged by the Richmond papers, and, if we are not much mistaken, this State will be thrown into an excitement, greater than that of June last, ere the October election, unless something be done, and that speedily, to divert the rebels in another direction. An editorial in a recent issue of the Richmond Inquirer details the programme, and lets us into the secret.

We know there are persons, even in this community, who will hoot at this. - There were those whose facilities for being posted on the general news were as good as ours, who hooted at us when we gave credence to the report that Lee's army was on its way to Pennsylvania, in June last; and when we had the most positive evidence that Stewart's cavalry were in Chambersburg, they asserted with great gusto that there was not an armed rebel in the State, and characterized the excitement of those in authority as a "great scare," gotten up by Gov. Curtin for political effect. We always knew that politics blinden, but this proved it be more blinding than we had imagined. The sequel opened their eyes. They cannot deny that that was a terrific battle fought at Gettysburg, on the 2d and 3d of July, and that Gettysburg is in Pennsylvania. We will allow our readers to imagine for themselves what would be the situation of Baltimore, Washington, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and, with the assistance of the rioters, even New York city, had Lee been successful at Gettysburg. Undoubtedly the New York riot would have been more extensive, and the riots attempted in other places resulted more disastrously. The "scare" did not come soon enough, and the destruction of one of the finest valleys in Pennsylvania, just at harvest time, was the consequence.

Those who give credence to the reported invasion, present the fact that the power of the rebellion is fast waning, and the only hope the Rebels have is centered in Lee's army. When Charleston falls, as it undoubtedly will, and Rosecrans and Burnside have driven the Rebels army out of East Tennessee, the situation of Lee will become critical, because of his supplies being cut off to a great extent, and his connection with the Southwest severed. Beauregard and Bragg will then be relieved of watching the points now held by them, and will be thrown to Lee, thus giving him a large army to subsist and a powerful army with which to make a forward movement. This army cannot be subsisted in the small portion of the Confederacy which will be left to it, and it will, of necessity, be compelled to make an effort to reach the fertile valleys and well filled barns and storehouses of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The inducements and necessities are two- fold greater at this time than ever they have been heretofore, and, as we have before stated, the attempt to reach the tempting bait will be made, unless something be done to counteract it. Lee knows that Meade's army is being filled up by the conscription, and he will make the move before the new men can be made effective, if he moves at all. We are not alarmists. We have presented nothing but what is plausible, and all we desire is that people rightly view the matter and be prepared to act promptly and in time. - We do not want to be found napping when the Rebel fox calls again to feast upon what he left in the valley in June last, nor do we want to find persons throwing impediments in the way of those who would save the State from the ravages of an invading army.

We have no doubt that, should Gov. Curtin take time by the forelock, and at once commence preparations to successfully prevent a repetition of the scenes enacted in the Cumberland Valley, in June last, the movement would be characterized as political and unnecessary, by those who care more for party than for country. - Such were the charges last fall, and again in June last, and such would be the charges of politicians again, even though the devastation of the State should be the result. We hope we may be mistaken in the foreshadowed intentions of the Rebels, but at the same time we hope Gov. Curtin will not be overawed by any clamor which may be raised by his political opponents to deter him from doing his duty in the way of protecting the State from invasion.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, September 16, 1863, page 2

LOCAL ITEMS.

BASE BALL - THE VISIT OF THE ATHLETIC CLUB. - The base ball players of our town have, within the past week or two, been in quite a flutter of excitement in reference to the proposed visit of the noted Athletic Club of Philadelphia, to Altoona, to play a match with our Mountain Club. - On last Friday morning the visitors arrived, and after refreshing themselves outwardly and inwardly at that excellent hostelrie, the Logan House, they were escorted by their hosts of the Mountain Club to the locality selected for the contest between them, the same being the best ground our club is able to procure in the town, that best being very poor indeed. In fact, the grounds of the Mountain club, entirely unsuited as they are for ball play, in almost every respect, seriously retard the progress of the members in obtaining a thorough practical knowledge of the game, and the sooner they change their quarters the better for the future success of the club, so say the best judges among the visiting party.

Quite a number of spectators were collected around the ground on the day in question, among them a delegation of the fair ones of Altoona, considerable interest being manifested by all in regard to the result.

Shortly after ten o'clock A. M. the game was commenced, the Athletics being the first to display their skill at the bat. Before their three players were put out, and their innings closed, they scored three runs, no difficulty being experienced in securing their runs, after first making their bases, inasmuch as the moment a ball passed the catcher it went too far down the hill in the rear to be returned in time to put the player out in running his base. This was of course but one of the drawbacks arising from the peculiar character of the field, but it was one of the most serious in its effects on the play of both parties, and especially on that of the Mountain nine. When the Athletics took the field the Mountain Club fully expected to draw a blank for their share of the innings play, but by the loose play of their opponents, who were exceedingly bothered in their fielding operations by the unevenness of the field, the Mountain club scored three runs also, thus being on a par, in run-getting with their more experienced adversaries. This was quite encouraging, but in the next innings "a change came o'er the spirit of their dreams," in consequence of the successful efforts of the Athletics in getting runs, no less than fourteen runs being placed upon their scorebook in this innings to two on the part of the Mountain nine. In the next innings matters became worse if anything, the totals, at the close of the 3d innings, showing a lead on the part of the visitors of 29 to 5, thus, almost at the very opening of the contest, depriving the Altoona players of any hope for the successful issue for their party. They did not give up the ghost, however, but courageously went on, hoping for the best but fully prepared for the worst. In the 4th innings each party scored one each, thus showing a decided improvement on their play on the part of the Mountaineers. It was, however, a flash in the pan, for in the two following innings the Athletics added an aggregate of 38 runs to their score, the total figure at the close of the 6th inning being 68 to 13. At this period of the game the Mountain Club made a judicious change in the position of their fielders, bringing in their best pitcher to pitch and placing the right men on the bases, the result being that the Athletics only scored five runs in their last three innings to nine on the part of the Mountain Club. The final result was the success of the Philadelphians by a score of 73 to 22, the Altoona players having the consolation of knowing that they had obtained the highest score against the Athletics that any club has attained this season, this being, in a measure, a triumph of itself.

Of course the peculiar character of the ground prevented us from witnessing that fine display of fielding for which the Athletics are noted, and our players, too, failed to display their abilities to advantage from the same cause. But, nevertheless, the contest was a very interesting one throughout, and one exceedingly creditable to both clubs from the very gentlemanly conduct that characterized their actions during the whole contest.

Of the play of the respective contestants we have to speak in high terms of that of nearly every one of the Athletic nine and on the part of the Altoona players, the play of E. P. &C. Miller and of Messrs. Kitchell, Darlington and Pettitt in their respective positions, merits praiseworthy notice, their fielding, especially in the last three innings, eliciting complimentary remarks from the Philadelphians. - Mr. Haupt, the worthy President of the Mercantile Club of Philadelphia, acted with thorough impartiality as Umpire, and the contest proved to be quite an agreeable one alike to the contestants and spectators.

At the close of the game the Mountain Club and their guests proceeded to the Logan House, where the whole party sat down to a truly sumptuous dinner, after which an adjournment was had to the rooms of the Mechanics' Library Association where speeches, songs and sentiment ruled for the remainder of the evening.

On Saturday morning a special train took the party to Cresson and back after which sides were chosen by Messrs. Darlington and Col. Fitzgerald, and quite a lively and interesting game was had,

the result being a victory for Darlington's side by a score of 21 to 18, in a game of nine innings and but two hours duration, being a creditable display of skill on both sides. Malone led the score on the winning side and Bell on that of the losing party.

The Philadelphians departed for home in the evening train, highly gratified with the hospitalities hey had received, and especially pleased with the result of their first visit to Altoona.

The following are the names of the players and their positions and the score of the game of Friday:

INNINGS.

Umpire - H. H. Houpt, of the Mercantile Club, of Philadelphia.

Scorers - Messrs. Bell and Dr. Gemmill.

Passed Balls - Miller 7, Kleinfelder 8.

Home Runs - McBride 2, Malone 1, Smith 1, Gratz 1, Gaskill 1, Hayhurst 1, Prendergast 1; Total 8.

Put Out on Foul Balls - Athletic 5 times, Mountain 7 times.

Put Out at First Base - Athletics 5 times, Mountain 7 times.

Struck Out - Pettit 1, Reilly 1.

Fly Catches Made - E. P. Miller 4, Pettitt 3, Darlington 1, Hutchinson 1 ; total 9. Kleinfelder 1, McBride 3, Paul 1, Hayhurst 1, Malone 1, Gaskill 1; total 8.

Catches Missed - Kleinfelder 1, Gratz 1, Paul 1, Hayhurst 1, Smith 1, E. P. Miller 2, Gemmell 1.

Left on Bases - Gratz 1, McBride 1, Hayhurst 2, E. P. Miller 2, Darlington 1.

Time of Game - Four hours and forty minutes.

COUNCIL MEETING. - Regular meeting of Council Sept. 7th, 1863. Present, John McClelland, N. J. Mervine, Jacob Hesser and James Kearney.

Minutes read and approved.

The Supervisor presented his report of labor on streets amounting to $116.42.

On motion, orders were granted as follows: - to W. W. Snyder, $36.00; James Woods, $25.58; John Dalton, $24.48; James Wilson, $26.13; John Haney, $3.85.

On motion, an order was granted to Philip Dempsey for hauling and stone, amounting to $98.10.

On motion, an order was granted to D. & C. Morse for $9.32, for bill of lumber.

On motion, an order was granted Messrs. John Elliott & Co. for $99.24 for bill of lumber.

On motion, an order was granted P. R. R. Co, for $10.85 for bill of freight on lumber.

On motion, an order was granted to James Hooper for $10.06 for bill of blacksmithing.

On motion, an order was granted to Philip Dempsey for $100.00 on account of filling Allegheny street, North Ward.

On motion, the President of Council was instructed to procure a desk for use of Council.

J. MCCLELLAND, Pres't.
Attest, W. B. KETLER, Sec'y.

A. M. L. & R. R. A. - The board of directors of the Altoona Mechanic's Library and Reading Room Association met September 7th. Members present, Lamborn, Reilly, Savory, Riebenack, Adlum, Keller, Mann, Irons and Elder.

The resignation of George W. Grier, as Librarian, was accepted and Mr. Isaac Worrell was appointed to fill the office until the next regular meeting of the board.

The following gentlemen were elected active members of the Association, Messrs. Wm. Black, James Henry, W. H. Moore and Fred G. Thorne.

The Treasurer presented a bill of H. Fettinger's amounting to $10.35 which was referred to the committee on Bills and Accounts.

On motion, a vote of thanks was tendered to C. R. McCrea, Esq., for presenting to the Association some valuable documents.

On motion, adjourned.

E. ELDER, Rec. Sec'y.

Proposed amendment to the Constitution.

Resolved, That the first sentence of Section 3d, Art. XVII of the Constitution be altered to read, Five of their number shall constitute a quorum.

UNION MEETING.-By reference to an advert in another column it will be seen that the Union party contemplate holding a grand mass meeting in this place, on Friday evening next, to be addressed by a number of the most eloquent speakers in the State, among whom appears the name of Daniel Dougherty, Esq., of Philadelphia, familiarly known as "Dan Dougherty," and heretofore styled "the silver trumpet of Democracy." Having embraced the Union cause, he is now stumping the State for Curtin. All the speakers named may not be in attendance, but sufficient of them will be on hand to take up all the time and entertain the audience in the right style. As these men are the exponents of the principles held by one of the great parties to the present political contest, let them be heard by all.

PRESENT YOUR CLAIMS. - Under the head of Special Order No. 88, Gen. Couch gives notice that Capt. J. G. Johnson, A. Q. M., will be at Altoona from the 15th to the 20th of September, and that all persons in this county having just claims against the United States Government, for supplies and transportation furnished the United States forces during the recent rebel invasion, and the organized militia forces called out by the proclamation of the Governor of the State, dated June 16th, 1863, will present them to him for settlement. See advertisement in another column.

BLAIR COUNTY MAN KILLED. - The Rev. Mr. Snyder, widely known through the Western start of this State as "big Snyder, and formerly Presiding Elder of the United Brethren Church, in this county, was deliberately shot by three ruffians in Kansas, about the time of the Lawrence massacre. The three fiends who were dispatched to kill him, found him before his door milking his cow and, not knowing him, asked him if he were the owner of that house. He answered them affirmatively, when they drew their pistols and fired; the three balls passed through his body, killing him on the spot. He was a most worthy man, and highly esteemed by all who knew him.

IMPORTANT DECISION. - On Saturday last, the following important decision of Judge Holt was issued by the Provost Marshal General:

"Under the thirteenth section of the enrollment act, it is clear that a party drafted and wishing to furnish a substitute or pay the commutation, must do so on or before the day fixed for his appearance. The privilege expires with that day.

"If he fails to report himself and is arrested as a deserter, he has still the right to go before the Board of Enrollment, and prove that he is not liable to do military duty; but if, on hearing his claim to exemption he is held to be liable, he cannot escape personal service. He is also, under such circumstances, subject to be proceeded against as a deserter.

REWARD OFFERED. - Frederick Beck, the jeweler, whom we noticed last week as being robbed of a considerable amount of watches and jewelry, offers a reward of $50 for the apprehension of the robber and return of the property.

HEADQUARTERS, DEPARTMENT OF THE SUSQUEHANNA,
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa., Sept. 11, 1863.

SPECIAL ORDER NO. 88.
EXTRACT.

6. Persons residing in Bedford, Blair, Fulton, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata, Somerset and Cambria counties. Pennsylvania, having just claims against the United States Government, for supplies and transportation furnished the United States Forces during the recent Rebel invasion, and the organized Militia Forces called out by the Proclamation of the Governor of the State, dated June 16th, 1863, will present them to Captain J. G. Johnson, A. Q. M., at Altoona, Bloody Run, Bedford, Huntingdon. Mount Union, Hollidaysburg and Johnstown, Pennsylvania, for settlement.

By command of Maj. Gen. Couch.

JNO. S. SCHULTZE, Assistant Adjutant General.

In compliance with the above order, I will be at

ALTOONA from the 15th to the 20th of September.
At BLOODY RUN from the 20th to the 25th of September.
At BEDFORD from the 25th to the 30th of September.
At HUNTINGDON and MOUNT UNION from the 5th to the 10th of October.
At HOLLIDAYSBURG from the 10th to the 15th of October.
And at JOHNSTOWN from the 15th to the 20th of October.

J. G. JOHNSON, Capt. And A. Q. M.

MARRIED.

At the Altoona House, Altoona, Pa., on the 8th inst., by the Rev. John H. Clark, Mr. George B. Roddy to Miss Mattie E. Ege, both of Perry county, Pa.

Perry county papers please copy.

DIED.

At Elizabeth Furnace, on the 11th inst., Keziah Stewart, (wife of Alexander Stewart,) aged 45 years, 3 months and 26 days.

At the age of 16 she made a profession of religion and connected herself with the Methodist Church, of which she was a consistent member until the hour of her death - nearly thirty years. She was a kind and dutiful wife, an affectionate mother and a good neighbor. She lived to adorn the profession she had made, and dying, left the evidence that her faith was not vain.

In Altoona, on the 12th inst., Mary A. Trout, (daughter of John and Sidney L. Trout,), aged 24 years.

Altoona Tribune, Altoona, Pa., Wednesday, September 16, 1863, page 3